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Sima - Traditional Finnish Lemonade - Sima is a beloved Finnish drink that captures the essence of summer with its refreshing lemon flavor and bubbly texture. Traditionally enjoyed during

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Sima - Traditional Finnish Lemonade

Sima is a beloved Finnish drink that captures the essence of summer with its refreshing lemon flavor and bubbly texture. Traditionally enjoyed during May Day celebrations, this slightly fizzy beverage is a delightful combination of freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and active yeast, resulting in a light, effervescent drink that's perfect for warm weather gatherings. Serve it chilled, garnished with raisins for a touch of sweetness, and enjoy a sip of Finnish tradition!

Serves 8

Ingredients

Water
8 cups, filtered
Granulated sugar
1 cup
Active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon
Lemons
2, juiced
Raisins
1/4 cup, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Juice the lemons, ensuring to strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds for a smooth drink.
  2. In a large pot, combine the lemon juice, sugar, and filtered water. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
  4. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature for 24 hours. This step is crucial as it develops the carbonation.
  5. After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any sediment or excess yeast, ensuring a clear beverage.
  6. Chill the sima in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enhance its refreshing qualities.
  7. To serve, pour the sima into glasses, adding a few raisins to each glass for a delightful touch and to signal the drink is ready to enjoy!

Tips

  • 💡 For a twist, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or a couple of slices of ginger during the fermentation process for added flavor.
  • 💡 If you prefer a sweeter sima, feel free to adjust the sugar amount to taste before fermentation.
  • 💡 Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor and aroma.

Dietary Information

Servings: 8 Dish Type: Beverage Prep Time: 15 minutes Fermentation Time: 24 hours Chill Time: 2 hours Calories: 80 Fat: 0g Carbs: 20g Protein: 0g Sodium: 5mg Sugar: 16g

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